See students on their first day at Portage West Middle School

PORTAGE -- Principal Denny Roehm wore a safety vest and waved on traffic as parents drop off kids in the early morning sunlight as a new school year started Tuesday at West Middle School in Portage.

Many students greeted each other as they strolled up the sidewalk toward the entrance.

Amy Gray, school counselor at West Middle in Portage said the first day of school is her favorite day.

"It's so exciting, it gives me goose bumps," said Gray, who was seated near the entrance to guide new sixth graders. Gray added her next favorite day is the last day of school.

"It smells the same," said 7th grader Chloe White as she walked down the hall to her new homeroom. "It just has the same atmosphere." White said that she really hadn't missed it, "but it's good coming back."

Eighth-grader Aman Patel said "it was horrible" to get up so early, but it's not so bad now that he's there. Patel's advice to the new sixth graders is to always be on time and do your homework, whenever you get the chance.

"This is a good place for the kids to be," said Principal Roehm. "We have a lot of good energy from the kids and the parents, and it's a fantastic community to be a part of."